Downtown Naperville will host its annual Halloween Hop from 10AM to noon on Sun., Oct. 27, 2024. (See more for “Downtown Naperville” in October below.) Meanwhile, discover plenty every day that’s traditional and new for shopping, dining and remembering throughout the community. (PN File Photo)

Meson Sabika / Benefit for victims of Hurricane Helene

Updated, Oct. 25 / All day on Tues., Oct. 15, 2024, during lunch and dinner hours, Meson Sabika hosted a fundraiser for World Vision to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene in America’s Southeast. One hundred percent of sales that day, more than $33,000 dollars, will be donated to World Vision.  Looking forward, Meson Sabika again will host complimentary Thanksgiving “to-go” dinners with turkey and all the trimmings for folks in need. Reservations are about at their 4,000 limit. For last-minute reservations, call (630) 983-3000, ext. 2. Or visit www.mesonsabika.com. 

Now & Every Day / Always aiming to help promote “Respect! Honor! Remember!” and public safety, Safe Suburbs USA yard signs populate throughout the community in support of law enforcement. Note also that Safe Suburbs USA member Kenn Miller (also former Naperville City Council member, Naperville Police and Fire Commissioner, CAPS volunteer, KidsMatter volunteer, entrepreneur and grandfather) will be honored by the Senior Task Force as Volunteer of the Year at 7PM Tues., Oct. 15, 2024, during the City Council meeting.

Reflecting on recent events…

Update, Oct. 16, 2024 / Photo features the Naperville City Council after Mayor Scott Wehrli recognizes Senior Task Force Volunteers of the Year, Vicki Keller and Kenn Miller, during the Oct. 15 City Council meeting.

Focus on Safety

Oct. 17 / Add a few sparkles to the mix for the Naperville Woman’s Club annual Glam Witches Night Out to be held Thurs., Oct. 17, at The Matrix Club.

Oct. 17 / Celebrate Citizens Appreciate Public Safety during the annual CAPS Dinner to honor employees at the Naperville Fire Department, held at 6PM Thurs., Oct. 17, in the Pavilion at Meson Sabika. Festivities also will include a celebration of the first 150 years of the Naperville Fire Department. Reservations closed.

Update, Oct. 18 / Below is a link to James Hoch Photography videos and photos from the CAPS Dinner. “It is always inspirational!” noted Hoch when he sent the link. Congratulations to the Naperville Fire Department and personnel for all the innovation and dedication during its first 150 years. Also, congrats to all CAPS Award recipients and to Lieutenant Bill Kostelny for being honored with the 2024 George Winckler Award, presented by CAPS Chairman Wes Wernette, Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis and Firefighter/Paramedic Andy Winckler.

Link to CAPS Ceremony – 2024-10-17

Oct. 18 / KidsMatter Empower Gala at The Matrix Club begins Fri., Oct. 18, with a 6PM Cocktail Reception, followed at 7PM by Dinner, Program, Live Auction, Music, Dancing. Bid for Silent Auction Packages. Celebrate another amazing year of building resilient kids who say “No” to destructive choices and “Yes” to their endless possibilities! This year’s “Field of Dreams” themed event represents a commitment to encouraging youth to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience. The gala also will recognize the community spirit of Tom Miers with a special tribute. For last-minute limited ticket availability, visit e.givesmart.com/events/CUq/. Last call is 4PM Thursday.

Oct. 19 / Trick or Treat at Safety Town returns from 10AM to 2PM Sat., Oct. 19, hosted by the Naperville Junior Woman’s Club. The family-friendly event welcomes Halloweeners in costume to Safety Town, located at 1320 Aurora Avenue. Find parking across River Road in the church lot. Again, sponsoring local businesses will be handing out candy, coupons, stickers and other treats geared for children ages 3 to 12. The cost is $15 per family. Nonperishable food items for Loaves & Fishes Community Services also will be collected. 

Oct. 19 / American Legion Social and Dinner / 6PM Sat., Oct. 19, in Kendall Hall at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson Ave. / Social held monthly, September through April. Reserve a seat by Oct. 16, 2024. Last-minute inquiry? RSVP to Kristen Jungles at kristenjungles@kw.com. Cost of Dinner is $15 for adults; $7 for ages 7-14; free for ages 6 -0. Public welcome. October Update! Oktoberfest menu served by Bavarian Lodge. Entertainment alert! Naperville Municipal Band German Ensemble is set to play from 6 to 6:30PM and a Sinatra-type Singer will take the stage from 7:30 to 8:30PM. Cheers!

Consider new & returning seasonal choices for October & then some…

The posts that follow are arranged miscellaneously and/or by hosting location or organization. Obviously, most photos are from PN files as most events are yet to occur. Events are among the traditions of this active community with many choices, including raking leaves for the City’s curbside pick-up that begins Mon., Oct. 21.

Oh! What a beautiful autumn where the bike path toward the Lake Osborne Pavilion appears golden! Go walk! Go bike! Go fish! Go picnic! Lake Osborne is located just west of the Naperville Public Safety Center along Aurora Avenue.

Enjoy seasonal changes from Lake Osborne to Whalon Lake! “Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn,” noted quotable Elizabeth Lawrence (1904-1985), internationally-known garden writer. 

Go fish this autumn! Hint: Autumn anglers say they like to concentrate their efforts for bass this time of the year in the midday sunshine. The sun warms the shallow water and by noon, bass bite. Click here to find one of this website’s most popular pages while considering the catch of the day!

Miscellaneous Safety Tips / Here & There

Oct. 24 / Public forum to meet DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick from 6 to 8PM, Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024, in Council Chambers, Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Hosted by District 5 DuPage County Board member Patty Gustin, Sheriff Mendrick will highlight JUST, his rehabilitation program, and provide more information about public safety plans and procedures in DuPage County. Public welcome. GREAT PRESENTATION!

Curbside Leaf Collection begins Oct. 21

Oct. thru Nov. / The City’s bulk curbside leaf collection program begins on Mon., Oct. 21, 2024. This free program provides every neighborhood three collection opportunities (also beginning Nov. 4 and Nov. 18) during a six-week period, weather permitting. To participate, rake leaves into the street next to the curb by 6AM on the first day of each collection cycle. Care should be taken to avoid covering storm drains.

Naperville Trolley & Tours 

Now thru Oct. 31 / Then again Thanksgiving weekend thru Dec. 27 / Naperville Trolley & Tours announces it’s time to book public trolley rides and tours for the holidays, Halloween through Dec. 27. Book PUBLIC (individual) Halloween and Nov/December Holiday Lights. (No tours Christmas Day or after Dec. 27.) Reservation opportunities are now live! Evening Halloween trolley tours are now in progress. Find info about Halloween tours, the fun trolley-la-la-la, la-la-la la tours at www.napervilletrolley.com.

Naperville Pumpkin Race (click here for 2024 photos.)

Oct. 26 / Naperville Pumpkin Race, hosted by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, returns at noon Sat., Oct. 26, to Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk. Create/purchase a pumpkin racer (Kits are $25) and be ready to run a heat in-person at Rotary Hill near Moser Tower or in your own driveway no matter where you live. (Check the TPAF website for details about mail orders.) This event is great fun for all whom participate and/or watch. The elimination races may take several hours. A costume contest, vendors, pumpkin decorating contest, live entertainment and other creative surprises add to this fun Halloween event that includes several smash hits. Cheering spectators welcome for a special time of your life!  FREE Admission! ***(Fundraiser)

Naperville Plaza / Washington at Gartner

Oct. 26 / Casey’s Foods and Oswald’s Pharmacy are set to host a “Monster Mash Bash” from 1PM to 4PM Sat., Oct. 26, in Naperville Plaza, Washington at Gartner. Dress to trick or treat. Enjoy treats and other surprises. FREE! (Also, great locations to purchase Halloween greeting cards, party supplies and candy for trick or treaters on Halloween.)

Downtown Naperville Halloween Hop

Oct. 27 / Happy Halloween Hop! Downtown Naperville’s annual Halloween Hop is slated from 10AM to Noon on Sun., Oct. 27, with a call out for ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches, storybook characters and super heroes. Families can dress up in their costumes, visit downtown businesses and kids can grab gobs of goodies. Dozens of merchants will open early to hand out Halloween treats and surprises. FREE!

Enjoy fun fall festivities with youngsters and the entire family! Shops and restaurants welcome your business all day, too!

Now and EDAQ, Every Day at Quigley’s / Dog Days of summer may be over, but patio days of autumn for well-behaved pets and their best friends continue at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Avenue, weather permitting. Inside find what all the regulars call “EDAQ” camaraderie with classic Irish fare, bar bites and cold beverages. Enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Just ask. Families in costume may stop by for treats to celebrate Halloween Hop from 11AM to noon on Sun., Oct. 27. Sláinte!

Oct. 27 / Fall family fun returns to Water Street when all of downtown celebrates Halloween Hop from 10AM to noon on Sun., Oct. 27. Wear costumes to trick or treat the shops in this safe daytime event.

Believe it or not, Downtown Holiday Lights begin soon after on Nov. 4 when twinkling white lights go on throughout the heart of the community. 

Note also a big treat returns when Naperville Sunrise Rotary brings back NaperLights to dazzle all of Water Street during the holiday season and through New Year’s Day. Stroll through a wonderland of animated lights and music. Find gorgeous picture opportunities under the rainbow arch, with the Giant Bear or under the Great Tree. Santa will be making appearances on his sparkling red throne in Jaycees Park at Water Street through the season. 

Halloween Happening / Riverwalk Grand Pavilion

Oct. 27 / The Naperville Park District again will host its Halloween Happening at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Presented by Woody Buick/GMC, kids 10 and under are welcome to meet skeletons and to participate in Halloween-themed games and activities while collecting goodies, treats or prizes. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged. Halloween Happening is scheduled from 1PM to 4PM on Sun., Oct. 27, west of the Jaycees Playground in the area near the Grand Pavilion. FREE!

Oct. 29 / As one in a series of town hall meetings regarding a referendum on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot, Indian Prairie School District 204 is holding a public meeting in the LMC from 7 to 8:30PM Tues., Oct. 29, at Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Avenue in Aurora. The town hall is related to a no tax rate increase referendum placed on the November 2024 ballot. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the district’s facility infrastructure needs, critical safety and security upgrades, and how a referendum would support these needs. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session and tours of the high school. For more info, visit www.ipsd.org/SaferStronger204.

Bill Jacobs VW & Bill Jacobs MINI Trick or Treat Returns

Oct. 30 / Bill Jacobs VW and Bill Jacobs MINI will host upcoming Trunk or Treat events from 4 to 7PM on Wed., Oct. 30, at both dealership locations in Naperville. This fun, family-friendly Halloween event offers a safe and festive evening for the community, featuring creative costumes, candy, and elaborately decorated vehicles. FREE! Open to the public! Get an up-close look at the latest VW and MINI vehicles while kids enjoy trick-or-treating. Both Bill Jacobs VW and Bill Jacobs MINI are proud to give back to the community and look forward to welcoming families for an unforgettable Halloween experience. Bill Jacobs VW is located at 2211 Aurora Ave. near Bill Jacobs MINI at 2491 Aurora Ave., just east of Fort Hill Road.

Oct. 30 / The November edition of Positively Naperville will begin distribution Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 30. Look for a copy available for pick up from a newspaper rack at one of more than 30 distribution locations. The October issue is still available at most locations. Thanks for reading!

Boo! Happy Halloween! 

Oct. 31 / Though the City of Naperville has no set hours for Trick or Treating, most families respect times from 4PM to 8PM as hours when they permit their youngsters to visit homes, door to door, on Halloween. Follow local protocols for public safety.

And so on…

365 days a year! If planning a weekend or a staycation in Naperville, consider overnight stays at www.visitnaperville.com. Check out more than 300 dining locations with a variety of tastes to please every appetite for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner at www.dinenaperville.com.

NOTE! Pre-registration is recommended/required for most events. Expect admission charge unless marked FREE! “FREE” admission is compliments of the sponsoring organizations. (Remember, nothing is really free of charge. Some individual or some sponsoring business foots the bill for your pleasure.) Also note that event details, dates, times and policies are subject to change.

Thanks for your participation and patience! We’re keenly aware this mid-month post is long as October always is a busy month. Thanks for reading all the way down!

Note also that this post may be updated throughout the month with new events. Some events may be deleted soon after they have happened.

Looking toward November…

Nov. 2 / Naperville Municipal Band will perform “Our Country” beginning at 3PM Sat., Nov. 2, on stage at the Wentz Concert Hall in the North Central College Fine and Performing Arts Center, Chicago Avenue at Ellsworth, just steps from downtown Naperville. All four indoor seasonal concerts are free of charge and open to the public. Consider dinner after the show!

Nov. 2 / Naperville Marines host annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball from 5PM to 11:30PM Sat., Nov. 2, at the Marriott in Naperville. Purchase tickets now. This ball typically is sold out more than a week in advance. The Marriott in Naperville is located at 1801 N. Naper Blvd.

Nov. 5 / General Election Day for hopefuls wanting to serve Naperville in DuPage County, Will County, Springfield and Washington, D.C. Polls are open 6AM to 7PM throughout Illinois.

Nov. 10 / The Naperville Marines will hold a flag raising at the Riverwalk Veterans Plaza at 9AM Thurs., Nov. 10, to celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  The ceremony will include members of the Marine recruiting station Naperville, the combined Honor Guard from American Legion post 43 and Judd Kendall  VFW post 3873.  The public is invited. (Kindly check time closer to Nov. 10. Thank you.)

Nov. 11 / Veterans Day observance at 11AM Nov. 11, “11-11-11,” at Veterans Park again will recognize all those individuals who serve to protect us, expressing to them an attitude of gratitude. That observance of safety seems especially significant for the month when America also celebrates Thanksgiving. Thanks to all.

Nov. 15 / Naperville Responds for Veterans is set to host Cheers for Veterans from 6 to 10PM Fri., Nov. 15, at Bobak’s in Woodridge. Cocktail Reception precedes sit-down dinner from 6-10PM.  Reverse Raffle Drawing (not necessary to be present to participate) starts at 7PM followed by Live Auction at 8PM. Click here to check out Cheers! and opportunities that come in support of assisting Veterans and their families in need of home repairs and renovations, especially those with low and moderate income. Thank you!

PN File Photos / If photos are not visible, click “refresh” and they likely will appear. —PN

Last updated: Oct 25, 2024